Articles of Footwear and Heel Suspension System Therefore

ABSTRACT

A heel suspension system for an article of footwear includes a sling receiving and supporting a heel portion of an upper of the article of footwear. The sling has first and second end portions supported on lateral and medial sides of the upper. A remaining portion of the sling is suspended between the supported end portions.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to articles of footwear having heel suspension systems.

BACKGROUND

In general, shoes, a type of articles of footwear, include an upper secured to a sole. The upper and the sole together define a void that is configured to hold a human foot. Often, the upper and/or the sole are/is formed from multiple layers that can be stitched or adhesively bonded together. For example, the upper portion can be made of a combination of leather and fabric, or foam and fabric, and the sole can be formed from at least one layer of natural rubber. Often materials are chosen for functional reasons, e.g., water-resistance, durability, abrasion-resistance, and breathability, while shape, texture, and color are used to promote the aesthetic qualities of the shoe.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure provides a heel suspension system for an article of footwear. The heel suspension system includes first and second sling supports spaced from each other and a sling having first and second end portions. The first end portion of the sling is connected to the first sling support and the second end portion of the sling is connected to the second sling support. The sling receives a heel portion of an upper of the article of footwear between the first and second sling supports.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following features. In some implementations, the sling comprises an elastic material. The sling may be positioned to receive vertical forces transmitted from the Calcaneus bone of a user wearing the article of footwear. In some examples, the first and second end portions of the sling each define a Y-shape that provides two connections to each of the corresponding first and second sling supports. The sling may suspend at least a portion of the heel portion of the upper of the article of footwear above an outsole of the article of footwear.

In some implementations, the first and second sling supports each define an arcuate shape. Each sling support may comprise a base and an arch disposed on the base. The arch is connected to and supports an end portion of the sling. In some examples, each sling support includes an elliptical ring portion connected to and supporting an end portion of the sling. The elliptical ring portion elastically deforms under a load greater than a threshold load (e.g., between about 10 lbs and 50 lbs for toddler shoes and between about 100 lbs and 250 lbs for adult shoes). An outsole of the article of footwear may receive and support each of the first and second sling supports.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a heel suspension system for an article of footwear includes a sling receiving and supporting a heel portion of an upper of the article of footwear. The sling has first and second end portions supported on lateral and medial sides of the upper. A remaining portion of the sling is suspended between the supported end portions.

In some implementations, the sling comprises an elastic material and elastically deforms to dissipate at least some of the transmitted forces. The sling can be positioned to receive vertical forces transmitted from the Calcaneus bone of a user wearing the article of footwear. The sling may suspend at least a portion of the heel portion of the upper of the article of footwear above an outsole of the article of footwear. In some implementations, the heel suspension system includes a suspension frame that supports the first and second end portions of the sling on lateral and medial sides of the upper. The suspension frame may include lateral and medial sling supports. Each sling support may include a base and an arch disposed on the base. The arch is connected to and supports an end portion of the sling. In some examples, each sling support defines an elliptical ring portion connected to and supporting an end portion of the sling. The elliptical ring portion elastically deforms under a load greater than a threshold load (e.g., between about 10 lbs and 50 lbs for toddler shoes and between about 100 lbs and 250 lbs for adult shoes).

In yet another aspect, an article of footwear includes an outsole, a heel suspension system disposed on the outsole, and an upper supported at least indirectly by the heel suspension system and the outsole. The heel suspension system includes a sling that receives and supports a heel portion of the upper. The sling has first and second end portions supported on lateral and medial sides of the upper. A remaining portion of the sling is suspended between the supported end portions.

In some implementations, the sling comprises an elastic material. The sling may be positioned to receive vertical forces transmitted from the Calcaneus bone of a user wearing the article of footwear. Moreover, in some examples, the sling elastically deforms to dissipate at least some of the transmitted forces. The sling may suspend at least a portion of the heel portion of the upper above the outsole.

In some implementations, the article of footwear includes a suspension frame that supports the first and second end portions of the sling on the lateral and medial sides of the upper. The suspension frame may include lateral and medial sling supports. In some examples, each sling support includes a base and an arch disposed on the base. The arch is connected to and supports an end portion of the sling. In additional examples, each sling support defines an elliptical ring portion connected to and supporting an end portion of the sling. The elliptical ring portion elastically deforms under a load greater than a threshold load (e.g., between about 10 lbs and 50 lbs for toddler shoes and between about 100 lbs and 250 lbs for adult shoes). The outsole may include at least one heel stop positioned below the heel portion of the upper to limit vertical movement of the heel portion of the upper as the sling elastically stretches during loading.

In another aspect, an article of footwear includes an outsole, first and second sling supports spaced from each other and supported by the outsole, and a sling having first and second end portions. The first end portion is connected to the first sling support and the second end portion is connected to the second sling support. The sling and the outsole at least indirectly support an upper. The sling receives a heel portion of the upper between the first and second sling supports.

In some implementations, the sling comprises an elastic material. The sling can be positioned to receive vertical forces transmitted from the Calcaneus bone of a user wearing the article of footwear. In some examples, the first and second end portions of the sling each define a Y-shape that provides two connections to each of the corresponding first and second sling supports. The sling may suspend at least a portion of the heel portion of the upper above the outsole. The first and second sling supports may each define an arcuate shape. In some implementations, each sling support includes a base and an arch disposed on the base. The arch is connected to and supports an end portion of the sling. In some examples, each sling support includes an elliptical ring portion connected to and supporting an end portion of the sling. The elliptical ring portion elastically deforms under a load greater than a threshold load (e.g., between about 10 lbs and 50 lbs for toddler shoes and between about 100 lbs and 250 lbs for adult shoes). The outsole may include at least one heel stop positioned below the heel portion of the upper to limit vertical movement of the heel portion of the upper as the sling elastically stretches during loading.

The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary article of footwear having a heel suspension system.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are opposite side views of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a side exploded view of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary heel suspension system.

FIG. 9 is a top view of an outsole of the sole assembly shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the outsole shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a section view of the outsole shown in FIG. 10 along line 11-11.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the outsole shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a rear view of the sole assembly shown in FIG. 7.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are opposite side views of the sole assembly shown in FIG. 7.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. By way of example only, all of the drawings are directed to an article of footwear suitable to be worn on a right foot. The invention includes also the mirror images of the drawings, i.e. an article of footwear suitable to be worn on a left foot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, in some implementations, an article of footwear 10 includes an upper assembly 100 attached to a sole assembly 200 (e.g., by stitching and/or an adhesive). Together, the upper assembly 100 and the sole assembly 200 define a void 20 configured to securely and comfortably hold a human foot. The upper assembly 100 and the sole assembly 200 each have a corresponding forefoot portion 102, 202 and a corresponding heel portion 104, 204. Although the example shown illustrates a shoe, the article of footwear 10 may be configured as other types of articles of footwear, including, but not limited to boots, sandals, flip-flops, clogs, etc.

In the example shown, the upper assembly 100 includes a tongue opening 110, which is at least substantially covered by a corresponding tongue 120. At least one tongue closure fastener 130 releasably connects lateral and medial sides 112, 114 of the tongue opening 110. In the example shown, the tongue closure fastener 130 is a strap; however, other configurations are possible as well, such as laces, elastic band, etc. In the example of a strap 130, the strap 130 can be connected (e.g., by stitching and/or an adhesive) to one of the lateral and medial sides 112, 114 of the tongue opening 110. A strap holder 132 (e.g., a ring attached to the upper assembly 100 or an opening defined by the upper assembly 100) on an opposite side 112, 114 of the tongue opening 110 receives the strap 130. The strap 130 can be pulled through the strap holder 132 to obtain a desired closure width of the tongue opening 110 and secured in place by a fastener 134, such as hook and loop fasteners or a buckle. Other types of fasteners can be used as well.

The upper assembly 100 may include lateral and/or media reinforcing members 150 a, 150 b that each extend from or about the tongue opening 110 to or about the sole assembly 200. The reinforcing members 150 a, 150 b can be configured to transmit closure and fitting forces received about the tongue opening 110 down to the sole assembly 200. The closure or fitting forces may result from fastening the tongue closure fastener(s) 130 and/or be experienced while wearing the article of footwear 10. In the example shown, the reinforcing members 150 a, 150 b also extend from the forefoot portion 102 to the heel portion 104 of the upper assembly 100 in an arcuate fashion.

Referring to FIGS. 7-15, in some implementations, the sole assembly 200 includes a heel suspension system 300 in the heel portion 204 of the sole assembly 200. The heel suspension system 300 provides shock or impact absorption qualities to the heel portion 204 of the sole assembly 200 to reduce transmission of ground contact forces to the user of the article of footwear 10. In the example shown, the heel suspension system 300 is disposed between an outsole 210 of the sole assembly 200 and the upper assembly 100. The heel suspension system 300 and the outsole 210 at least indirectly support the upper assembly 100. The outsole 210 can be made of natural rubber or formed of a rubber compound including isobutylene rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene butadiene rubber and/or natural rubber. The outsole 210 may have a durometer of between about 40 Shore A and about 70 Shore A (e.g., 50 Shore A).

In some implementations, the heel suspension system 300 includes a sling 310 that receives and supports the heel portion 104 of the upper assembly 100. The sling 310 has first and second end portions 312, 314 supported on lateral and medial sides 112, 114 of the upper assembly 100. A remaining portion of the sling 310 is suspended between the supported end portions 312, 314. In some implementations, the sling 310 comprises an elastic material and elastically deforms to dissipate at least some of the forces transmitted from the ground in the heel portion 204 of the sole assembly 200 to the user. The sling 310 can be positioned to receive vertical forces transmitted from the Calcaneus bone of a user wearing the article of footwear 10. Moreover, the sling 310 may suspend at least a portion of the heel portion 104 of the upper assembly 100 above the outsole 210, such that ground contact forces cannot propagate along a straight vertical path from the outsole to at least a portion of the heel portion 104 of the upper assembly 100 (e.g., which can have a portion situated directly underneath the user's Calcaneus bone).

In some implementations, the heel suspension system 300 includes a suspension frame 320 that supports the first and second end portions 312, 314 of the sling 310 on lateral and medial sides 112, 114 of the upper assembly 100. The suspension frame 320 may include lateral and medial sling supports 322, 324 spaced from each other. In other examples not shown, the suspension frame 320 is one contiguous piece (i.e., the lateral and medial sling supports 322, 324 are connected). Each sling support 322, 324 may include a base 340 and an arch 350 disposed on the base 350. The arch 340 is connected to and supports an end portion 312, 314 of the sling 310. The arch 340 may be made of a rigid material or an elastically deformable material. For example, the arch 340 may elastically deform under a load greater than a threshold load (e.g., between about 10 lbs and 50 lbs for toddler shoes and between about 100 lbs and 250 lbs for adult shoes). In some examples, each sling support 322, 324 defines an elliptical ring connected to and supporting an end portion 312, 314 of the sling 310. The elliptical ring 322, 324 elastically deforms under a load greater than a threshold load (e.g., between about 10 lbs and 50 lbs for toddler shoes and between about 100 lbs and 250 lbs for adult shoes).

In the example shown, the suspension frame 320 supports the sling 310 about the heel portion 104 of the upper assembly 100. Moreover, the sling 310 receives and suspends the heel portion 104 of the upper assembly 100 above the outsole 210. In some examples, the suspension frame 320 is made of a rigid material, such as a rigid plastic. While in other examples, the suspension frame 320 made of a semi-rigid or elastic material, such as thermoplastic rubber (TPR). The sling 310 can be made of an elastic material, such as silicone or rubber, that elastically stretches to provide shock and vibration absorption of the heel suspension system 300.

Referring to FIGS. 9-11, in some implementations, a heel portion 214 of the outsole 210 defines a frame seat 216 (FIG. 12) configured to receive and support the suspension frame 320. The outsole 210 may include or define at least one heel stop 218 in the heel portion 214 to receive and limit downward movement of the heel portion 104 of the upper assembly 100 as it moves with respect to the outsole 210 when the heel suspension system 300 moves in response to a received ground contact force. In some examples, the frame seat 216 receives the lateral and medial sling supports 322, 324 (FIG. 8) on opposite sides of the at least one heel stop 218.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 12-15, in some implementations, the suspension frame 320 includes lateral and medial sling supports 322, 324 spaced laterally from each other. In the example shown, the sling supports 332, 324 are positioned on corresponding lateral and medial sides 12, 14 of the article footwear 10 (FIGS. 2 and 3) and define an arcuate shape (e.g., a substantially U-Shape) that may deflect elastically to absorb shock or impact forces (FIGS. 10 and 11). Moreover, lateral and medial end portions 312, 314 of the sling 310 may define a Y-shape, providing two points of connection to the corresponding lateral and medial sling supports 322, 324. In other examples, the lateral and medial end portions 312, 314 of the sling 310 have one or many connection points with the sling supports 312, 314. The sling 310 can be configured to suspend at least a portion of the heel portion 104 of the upper assembly 100 above the outsole 210, such that the suspended portion of the heel portion 104 does not directly contact the outsole 210.

The heel suspension system 300 allows a user to experience a relative reduction in shock and impact forces incurred during walking or running. The sling 310, in some examples, eliminates a direct transmission of shock and impact forces from the outsole to the bottom of the suspended heel portion 104 of the upper assembly 100. By positioning the sling 310 directly below a user's Calcaneus bone, thus suspending the corresponding heel portion 104 of the upper assembly 100, the user experiences an elastic cushioning effect of the sling 310. Moreover, the sling 310 can be configured (e.g., by material choice) to provide accentuation of a user's heel push off. For example, when jumping, the user lower's his or her weight and loads the article of footwear 10, during a loading phase, with a take-off force. As the sling 310 elastically deforms it stores take-off energy (as potential energy) and then releases the stored energy (as kinetic energy) during a take-off phase of the jump, thus accentuating the jump.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A heel suspension system for an article of footwear, the heel suspension system comprising: first and second sling supports spaced from each other; and a sling having first and second end portions, the first end portion connected to the first sling support and the second end portion connected to the second sling support; wherein the sling receives a heel portion of an upper of the article of footwear between the first and second sling supports.
 2. The heel suspension system of claim 1, wherein the sling comprises an elastic material.
 3. The heel suspension system of claim 1, wherein the sling is positioned to receive vertical forces transmitted from the Calcaneus bone of a user wearing the article of footwear.
 4. The heel suspension system of claim 1, wherein the first and second end portions of the sling each define a Y-shape that provides two connections to each of the corresponding first and second sling supports.
 5. The heel suspension system of claim 1, wherein the sling suspends at least a portion of the heel portion of the upper of the article of footwear above an outsole of the article of footwear.
 6. The heel suspension system of claim 1, wherein the first and second sling supports each define an arcuate shape.
 7. The heel suspension system of claim 1, wherein each sling support comprises: a base; and an arch disposed on the base, the arch connected to and supporting an end portion of the sling.
 8. The heel suspension system of claim 1, wherein each sling support comprises an elliptical ring portion connected to and supporting an end portion of the sling, the elliptical ring portion elastically deformable under a load greater than a threshold load.
 9. The heel suspension system of claim 1, wherein the first and second sling supports are each received and supported by an outsole of the article of footwear.
 10. A heel suspension system for an article of footwear, the heel suspension system comprising a sling receiving and supporting a heel portion of an upper of the article of footwear, the sling having first and second end portions supported on lateral and medial sides of the upper, a remaining portion of the sling suspended between the supported end portions.
 11. The heel suspension system of claim 10, wherein the sling comprises an elastic material.
 12. The heel suspension system of claim 10, wherein the sling is positioned to receive vertical forces transmitted from the Calcaneus bone of a user wearing the article of footwear.
 13. The heel suspension system of claim 12, wherein the sling elastically deforms to dissipate at least some of the transmitted forces.
 14. The heel suspension system of claim 10, wherein the sling suspends at least a portion of the heel portion of the upper of the article of footwear above an outsole of the article of footwear.
 15. The heel suspension system of claim 10, further comprising a suspension frame that supports the first and second end portions of the sling on lateral and medial sides of the upper.
 16. The heel suspension system of claim 15, wherein the suspension frame comprises lateral and medial sling supports, each sling support comprising: a base; and an arch disposed on the base, the arch connected to and supporting an end portion of the sling.
 17. The heel suspension system of claim 15, wherein the suspension frame comprises lateral and medial sling supports, each sling support defining an elliptical ring portion connected to and supporting an end portion of the sling, the elliptical ring portion elastically deformable under a load greater than a threshold load.
 18. An article of footwear comprising: an outsole; a heel suspension system disposed on the outsole; and an upper supported at least indirectly by the heel suspension system and the outsole; wherein the heel suspension system comprises a sling receiving and supporting a heel portion of the upper, the sling having first and second end portions supported on lateral and medial sides of the upper, a remaining portion of the sling suspended between the supported end portions.
 19. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the sling comprises an elastic material.
 20. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the sling is positioned to receive vertical forces transmitted from the Calcaneus bone of a user wearing the article of footwear.
 21. The article of footwear of claim 20, wherein the sling elastically deforms to dissipate at least some of the transmitted forces.
 22. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the sling suspends at least a portion of the heel portion of the upper above the outsole.
 23. The article of footwear of claim 18, further comprising a suspension frame that supports the first and second end portions of the sling on the lateral and medial sides of the upper.
 24. The article of footwear of claim 23, wherein the suspension frame comprises lateral and medial sling supports, each sling support comprising: a base; and an arch disposed on the base, the arch connected to and supporting an end portion of the sling.
 25. The article of footwear of claim 23, wherein the suspension frame comprises lateral and medial sling supports, each sling support defining an elliptical ring portion connected to and supporting an end portion of the sling, the elliptical ring portion elastically deformable under a load greater than a threshold load.
 26. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the outsole includes at least one heel stop positioned below the heel portion of the upper to limit vertical movement of the heel portion of the upper as the sling elastically stretches during loading.
 27. An article of footwear comprising: an outsole; first and second sling supports spaced from each other and supported by the outsole; a sling having first and second end portions, the first end portion connected to the first sling support and the second end portion connected to the second sling support; and an upper supported at least indirectly by the sling and the outsole; wherein the sling receives a heel portion of the upper between the first and second sling supports.
 28. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the sling comprises an elastic material.
 29. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the sling is positioned to receive vertical forces transmitted from the Calcaneus bone of a user wearing the article of footwear.
 30. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the first and second end portions of the sling each define a Y-shape that provides two connections to each of the corresponding first and second sling supports.
 31. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the sling suspends at least a portion of the heel portion of the upper above the outsole.
 32. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the first and second sling supports each define an arcuate shape.
 33. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein each sling support comprises: a base; and an arch disposed on the base, the arch connected to and supporting an end portion of the sling.
 34. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein each sling support comprises an elliptical ring portion connected to and supporting an end portion of the sling, the elliptical ring portion elastically deformable under a load greater than a threshold load.
 35. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the outsole includes at least one heel stop positioned below the heel portion of the upper to limit vertical movement of the heel portion of the upper as the sling elastically stretches during loading. 